ENG vs IRE Test: ENG Star pacer ruled out; Roy, Stone to debut

England have received a major blow ahead of the Test against Ireland as senior pace bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of the game due to calf injury.  It is unclear whether he will be fit for the first Ashes Test as well. Meanwhile England have named their playing XI which includes Jason Roy and Olly Stone.

Anderson ruled out of Ireland Test 

The England pace bowler faced an injury during a county game while representing Lancashire on July 02. He went through MRI scans which revealed  a tear.

Anderson had hoped that the injury will be healed before the Ireland Test and he was named in the England squad. But now it is confirmed that the right-arm pacer won’t be able to participate in the Test match which starts from July 24 at Lord’s.

Question marks over Anderson’s participation in first Ashes Test

Anderson’s injury seems to be severe as it is taking some time to get healed. This means there are question marks over his participation in the first Test Ashes Test which starts from August 01.

If this happens then it would  be a massive blow for England who will be eager to replicate their success at the World Cup in the Ashes series as well.

Anderson is England’s most experienced pace bowler with 148 Tests under his belt. The legendary bowler has 575 Test wickets, the most by any pace bowler in Test cricket at an average of 26.93.

England to hand debut to Olly Stone and Jason Roy

In the absence of Anderson, the England team management has included Olly Stone in the playing XI.

England have also decided to reward opening batsman Jason Roy for his good show in the white ball cricket by naming him in the playing XI.

England’ team for Ireland Test: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes